Have you ever read a story and thought it was lacking something? Written a first draft and felt it meandered hopelessly? I know I have, on both counts. Sometimes, whether I’m reading or writing, I find stories that just don’t fit, don’t ring true. Even deep believable characters and an intriguing plot in place may not be enough. To solve this there is one essential element that every character needs for a story that satisfies the reader. I’m nearing the climax of my current WIP (working title ‘Pain & Gain’), and I just wrote a scene where one of the characters ask my protagonist why he’s carrying on. I’m not sure whether the question was really directed to the protagonist or to me, …
